My girlfriends and I love to have ladies night at Koi. Koi is located in what used to be the white room at Swig. It is about one Santa Fe city block from the Plaza and it has by far the most innovative food in Santa Fe. Chef Joel Coleman should be applauded for his creativity and use of local ingredients.
The location has beautiful views of downtown Santa Fe. Koi serves Euro-Asian fusion tapas, ridiculous desserts and special cocktails. The special drinks aren’t as amazing as the food is so order some house sake, a beer, or a simple martini and about 2-3 tapas per person (3 if you want to share) and of course dessert. If it says bacon on the dessert menu, get it!
My favorite item on the menu right now is the grilled calamari with grapefruit, cilantro pesto, and kimchi aioli. It is the best calamari I have ever had in my life! Their menu changes seasonally so make sure and check it out regularly to see what is new. Along with their regular menu, they currently have happy hour specials and a live DJ on Monday nights.
They have indoor seating in the winter and will open their outdoor seating in the summer. I can’t wait to eat out there in the summer!
Park on the street if you can find a place or in the lot behind them for $5. They are located at 135 West Palace Ave. in Santa Fe and are open nightly for dinner from 5:00pm to closing.
Website: http://koisantafe.com/
